Engaging sports fans

Opta news

NEWS Opta Powers New RFU and IBM Partnership

01 February 2013

The RFU and IBM have announced a strategic five year agreement to analyse Opta data. IBM will use state of the art analytics to provide fans with real-time insights into the game, including information about individual performance by players.

In a first for rugby, IBM's Predictive Analytics software will analyse historic and current rugby data collected and supplied by Opta to provide valuable in-game stats. It will give viewers access to insights that will heighten their understanding of what to watch for in each game and explain what needs to be done to increase the likelihood of a team win against specific opponents.

The IBM TryTracker will include the 'Keys to the Game', to provide play-by-play insights during the game, and predict three crucial areas of performance specific to each team ahead of match day. For example, the system may predict that if a side hits their target in these aspects of their game then they are more likely to increase their chances of victory, for example the proportion of scrums won or rate of successful kicks. Opta's data is analysed by IBM, before being hosted on RFU.com.

In addition, the platform will feature a new way to represent 'Momentum', which depicts visual graphics of the match as it unfolds - and identifies key moments, decisions and turning points based on every facet of the game.

It will also determine the match's 'Key Influencers' by analysing every action of every player to reveal which three players are having the biggest positive impact on their team's overall performance. Results are based on position specific historical data, and will show the average performance of the player's teammates.

"In sport and business, data is a game changer, "said Martin Guillaume, Media and Sports Leader for IBM Global Business Services UK and Ireland.

"IBM is powering new consumer experiences with advanced real -time analytics. By doing this, we offer a new way to enjoy the game, by uncovering insights that matter, enhancing the fan experience and providing vital feedback to players and stakeholders."

This technology builds on what is already in use in well known global tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon, The Australian Open and The US Open.

IBM is tapping the power of predictive analytics to help deliver insights into everything touching performance, sports injuries, key plays and more.

By delivering these insights directly to fans, IBM is driving a smarter sporting experience, giving millions of rugby fans around the world the tools to a more enjoyable game.

The world of sports, and many sporting teams alike, are finding new ways to uncover hidden insights from Big Data to gain a competitive edge.

Analytics continues to change how sport is being viewed and played, ensuring that fans have a complete interactive experience so they do not miss a moment.

The IBM TryTracker can be accessed by all mobile devices and tablets. The three Keys to the Game will be released every Thursday ahead of the weekend match day during the RBS 6 Nations tournament taking place from February 2 to March 16 2013, in which England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy will participate. The new platform is available at www.rfu.com/ibmtrytracker